UT Protects Campus From Lightning with Thor Guard

Published: Aug 31, 2010

The University of Tampa Student Government Association has funded the
installation of a campus-wide lightning prediction and warning system to
help alert the campus community about impending inclement weather and
lightning on or around the UT campus.

The system, THOR GUARD
L75, is capable of providing audible and visual warnings in the event
that lightning is likely to strike. At UT the system will be used most
actively by the departments of athletics, exercise science, campus
recreation and ROTC, as well as for general use for protection of the
campus community and visitors.

The rooftop system, which
consists of two base units on the roof of the pool building and the R.K.
Bailey Arts Studios building, will alert UT officials when atmospheric
weather conditions are imminently likely to produce dangerous lightning
strikes on or around the UT campus. In these cases, the system will emit
a 15-second warning blast and the strobe lights on the units will
illuminate as long as there is danger of a potential strike. Once the
lightning threat passes, three 5-second horn blasts will indicate an
“all clear,” and the strobe lights will turn off.

When UT is in
session, the warning system will be active Monday through Friday from 10
a.m. to midnight, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

When
the alarms sound, all organized, UT-related outdoor activity will be
discontinued and all individuals on the UT campus are advised to seek
shelter. However, activation of the alarm does not supersede academic
class schedules, nor does it necessarily cancel or postpone regularly
scheduled campus events. Plus, the system is only applicable to the UT
campus and is not valid for off-campus activities.

The UT
community is reminded that individuals must use their own best judgment
in inclement weather conditions, and not rely solely on the THOR GUARD
system for their personal safety.

The campus community is
advised in extreme weather situations to check the UT website for safety
updates. To view current weather conditions on the UT campus, go to www.ut.edu/weatherstation.